Thai Police Say No GHB Found In Woman Who Claimed Songkran Water Gun Was Spiked
Thai police have confirmed that no traces of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or other harmful substances were found in the body of a Thai woman who previously claimed she may have been drugged during Songkran celebrations in Bangkok.
The incident attracted widespread attention online after the woman shared her experience on TikTok on Apr. 13, alleging that water sprayed from a water gun during the festival could have contained a dangerous substance.
Her claims quickly went viral across Thailand and internationally, with some foreign tourists expressing concerns about travel safety and nightlife security in Thailand.
Viral TikTok Post Sparked Public Debate
According to the woman’s account, she attended a nightclub event in Bangkok during the Songkran festival before suddenly suffering severe symptoms, including seizures and foaming at the mouth.
She stated that she did not accept drinks from strangers and trusted the friends accompanying her that night. As a result, she suspected that the substance may have entered her system through water sprayed from a Songkran water gun.
The claim triggered intense online discussion, especially among Chinese social media users, with some questioning whether Thailand remained safe for tourists.
Others were sceptical of the allegation, arguing that GHB — commonly referred to as a “date rape drug” — would be too costly and impractical to use inside water guns during a crowded public festival.
As criticism mounted, some netizens accused the woman of fabricating the incident for online attention. In response, she shared a medical certificate from a private hospital to support her claims.
Hospital Clarifies Earlier Mention Of GHB
Following the controversy, the woman filed a police report at Makkasan Police Station on Apr. 20 and underwent further testing at Police General Hospital.
Thai authorities later announced that laboratory results from both the police hospital and the private hospital showed no evidence of GHB, illegal drugs, or toxic substances in her body.
Police explained that the earlier hospital document mentioning GHB was merely an initial medical assumption based on her symptoms at the time, rather than a confirmed diagnosis.
The woman maintained that she genuinely became ill during the event and denied staging the incident. She also said she would continue cooperating with doctors and investigators to determine what caused her medical episode.
Thai Authorities Move To Reassure Tourists
Royal Thai Police spokesperson Trairong Phewphan stated that it was understandable for the woman to report unusual symptoms after attending an entertainment venue.
Thai authorities also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified rumours or misinformation online, especially claims that could negatively affect tourism confidence.
Officials stressed that Thailand and the annual Songkran celebrations remain safe for both locals and foreign visitors.
The incident comes as Thailand continues rebuilding its tourism sector, with authorities increasingly sensitive to viral social media stories that may influence international travellers’ perceptions of safety in the country.